To add more functionality to the keyboard Logitech added toggle switch to the keyboard that re-maps the functionality of the function keys at the top of the keyboard. The “F mode” functions are mapped to the major Office applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) as well as application functions like Save, Print, Undo, and Re-do. Like everything else you can re-program these functions if you want to do something else with the buttons. It’s a nice feature but I would have preferred to have a function key modifier so I could access the functions directly without having to toggle the keys on and then press a button.
To make room for the additional controls on the left side of the keyboard Logitech did have to re-configure the standard keyboard layout a bit. The Insert, Home, End, Delete, Page Up, Page Down block has gone from a 3X2 set of keys to a 2 X 3 block with the insert key moved up to the function key level and the delete key taking up the space of two buttons in the block. It took a bit of getting used to but Logitech made the right decision to move the insert key up. The arrow keys are moved a little south of where they normally are but thankfully they are still in the proper inverted T layout. Logitech also sacrificed the left Windows key as part of the layout.
The keys in general have a nice feel to them and provide a nice tactile feedback when clicked. The function keys are a little on the small side and don’t have the same feel as the rest of the keyboard. I would have like the buttons a little concave so that it was a little easier to find them but that’s more of a personal preference.
As I’ve mentioned repeatedly through the review you can customize everything on the keyboard through the included software. The software is easy to use as you just select the button you want and then choose either one of the pre-selected functions or add your own. The other nice feature of the software is that it will display the button hit on screen so that you know exactly what you’ve hit. It’s a little thing but it does help in the process of learning which keys do what without having to look at the keyboard.
This isn’t a keyboard/mouse combo you are going to want to game with intensively. It’s fine for RTS games and RPG’s but it’s not something you’ll want to play
Battlefield 2 or Counter-strike with. There is a slight amount of lag on occasion and the mouse is just a little too sensitive for regular gaming use.
If you are looking for a general purpose keyboard/mouse set or something for a HTPC I can’t recommend the 3000 set enough. Logitech has put every single button you would ever want on the keyboard without overcrowding the keyboard. The only thing that would finish this set off would be a pouch to store the keyboard and mouse in that you could sling over the side of a recliner but I’m betting that’s something Logitech R&D is already working on.
B
While not a gaming solution, the Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 3000 is an excellent for those needing a HTPC or standard desktop keyboard/mouse combination.
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